CALLING IT QUITS: Ashley Cole has retired from international football [GETTY]

England boss Roy Hodgson has instead chosen Southampton defender Luke Shaw, 18, and will announce him in his 23-man squad for Brazil at 2pm today.

It is believed Cole was asked to go on the additional standby list of seven players, but turned down the offer.

And the 33-year-old said: "I got the call from Roy and agree the England team should be about the young players. I think it best I retire from the England team now.

"We have a great manager and team and I wish them only success. I will be supporting them like a true fan. Thanks to everyone for everything."

The battle between Cole and the Saints teenager for an England place has been one of the talking points of the season ever since the Chelsea star lost his regular starting place at Stamford Bridge

Named Hodgson has made a brave decision to go with youth over experience, given that Shaw has just one Three Lions cap compared to Cole's 107.

Meanwhile, Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have been passed fit to take their place in the main squad.

The Arsenal duo are set to be named despite struggling with long-term injuries.

Midfielder Wilshere made his first appearance yesterday since breaking his foot on international duty at the start of March.

Fellow Gunner Oxlade-Chamberlain was not fit enough to play at Norwich despite recovering from a groin injury.

BLUE BOY: Cole may have also played his last game for Chelsea [GETTY]

“The news is also good for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. He should rejoin our squad later this week so he will also be available for Roy Hodgson to pick for England and I would certainly not be surprised if he was picked”

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger

But Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists both will be ready for England's first World Cup game in Brazil, against Italy on June 14.

Wenger said: "Jack has been out for eight weeks now so it was good to have him back. It was important for him to play today. But the World Cup is not for another month so there is still plenty of time for him.

"It was important for him to play today. But the World Cup is not for another month so there is still plenty of time for him.

"But he has shown now that he is fit to play again so there is no problem about him being available for England.

"The news is also good for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. He should rejoin our squad later this week so he will also be available for Roy Hodgson to pick for England and I would certainly not be surprised if he was picked.

"And the good news for England is that the two players, Wilshere and Oxlade-Chamberlain, have definitely not been over played this season."